Kingsbridge SCITT

Training to be a teacher is something I have wanted to do since I left secondary school in 2016. In KS3, I did not enjoy history as a subject or my history lessons. I always worked hard but there was very little enjoyment for me. In year 9 this changed. I had an amazing teacher: Mrs Brown. Her passion and enthusiasm for the subject, as well as her passion for young people and education shone through. She set me on the path I am now, and I owe her a great thanks. She was not the only teacher who made me seriously consider teaching as a profession, but thanks to her I am nearly a qualified history teacher. That to me is the power of a good teacher. That is what I want to become. That is why I am training to be a teacher. Being a champion of young people and supporting them as they develop into young adults as well as developing a love of history is why I wanted to become a teacher. Once I left school, I realised this and I have not looked back. And I am so excited for the next part of my journey.  
When I was in my final year at university, it was time to make that decision. After researching about the different ways to train to be a teacher I was extremely overwhelmed. There are many options and it was confusing. I researched Kingsbridge, as well as some other course providers, but still felt lost. I decided to reach out and from my first time contacting them, I have felt nothing but supported. Jen, the director of SCITT, made time for my questions and talked me through them all the phone. I felt like all my questions were silly, but Jen had the time for them. This made my mind up about where I wanted to go and the course I wanted to take.
With Kingsbridge, we have been in a school from day 1 in September. This has been of immense value. In my main placement I have been treated like a welcomed member of staff by everyone. My department have been amazing and supportive. They are encouraging, kind and any question I have they are always willing to answer. They ensure I am included in our fortnightly meeting and my contributions are encouraged and valued. I have supported the department in many ways and it feels amazing to have this support behind me in the initial stages of my career. For example, I took the lead on the department’s work on Black History Month. The history teachers at my main placement are outstanding practitioners and I am so glad I have been able to join the department for the year.
Kingsbridge also offer this same level of support. We have our weekly training and it is a great way to end the week. We meet up, learn pedagogy, discuss current research and work on our lessons as well as tasks from Kingsbridge. There are many layers of support we are offered, from our two mentors in school, to Jen, our tutors as well as subject knowledge tutor. There is always someone there for you – you are never short of a person to ask for help or guidance from. Our meetings on Friday’s are great as all of the trainees get to catch up! It is so nice being able to speak to people who are going through the same thing. I have made friends for life on this course, and they are going to be excellent teachers.
I could not recommend Kingsbridge enough to anyone thinking of training to be a teacher. They are hands on, supportive and provide thorough research as well as great opportunities. I am so excited to see what September brings and I feel prepared knowing Kingsbridge have helped me get there.